A Bristol independent store and not-for-profit which also houses a workshop space, gallery and community hub in the City Centre, says this Christmas will be its ‘last hurrah’.
In an announcement to its Instagram page, Prior called for the help of its shoppers to keep the business open – if not at its current home in Cabot Circus, somewhere else in Bristol. The announcement read: “We have reached a point, even with the enormous support from Cabot Circus (our retail centre), where we cannot afford the ever increasing overheads to keep going in this location.
“This isn’t the end of Prior, but is the biggest and last SOS smoke signal that we will send. If you want us, and other local independent businesses to exist, vote for it. How do you vote? With your shopping power.
“We need a fabulous season of Christmas sales to cover our new overheads and also to fund a move (if it comes to it) so please shop online, in store and tell friends and family about us.”
In a blog post to its official web page, Prior added that the reason why it is “on the brink of having to move out of Cabot Circus in 2025” is the business rates increase, which comes into effect on April 1. Prior leased the unit in Cabot Circus back in 2021, “under the understanding that not-for-profits were exempt from business rates”.
However this relief was “removed without warning” in 2023, with Prior told that it would need to register as a charity to regain the relief. The blog post states: “After months of working with charity lawyers to divide Prior’s services and meet charity requirements, the Council blocked us, citing nonsensical classification rules.
“The rule given is we can only lease the shop as a charity if the business rates classification was a ‘department store’, we are currently classed as ‘retail’.” Owner and founder Beck Prior went on to say: “The only way to stay is if the council or central government steps in – or we achieve an exceptional Christmas sales period.
“Over the past year and a half, I’ve had countless meetings (in person and over the phone) with Bristol Council and central government, exchanged nearly 100 emails, set up petitions, and drafted extensive documents challenging the council (with legal advice). I even progressed plans with charity lawyers to set up a charity – but every step was met with yet another ridiculous “computer says no” hurdle.”
BristolLive has approached Bristol City Council for comment on this matter.
Calling it an “uphill battle keeping Prior alive amidst retail giants”, Beck went on to say that the business would “love to stay in Cabot Circus, but surviving here is becoming impossible”. If Prior can’t stay, the plan is to relocate to a smaller unit in Bristol and return to Cabot Circus as a Christmas pop-up each year.
If business rates reform were to go ahead in 2026, Beck says they would consider moving back permanently. As it stands, the business would need to sell more than £2,400 of stock each month just to cover the impact caused by the autumn budget’s business rates relief cut.
Taking to the Instagram comments section, local businesses and shoppers were quick to share their thoughts on the matter. Bristol Blue Glass, which announced the closure of its High Street store less than a week ago, commented: “Such sad news, but we are in the same position and unfortunately are closing our High Street shop near St. Nicholas Market.
“We are fortunate to have our shop on Bath Road where we make our glass. Have you thought of St. Nicholas Market? Prior is a lovely artisan shop – I’ve bought many a lovely item there myself! We wish you guys all the best for Christmas and for the future.”
Another local business said: “Gloucester Road would be brilliant for you. The rates would be so much better and you would get way more footfall. Cabot Circus is a tough game and there’s way more support for independents around Gloucester Road in my honest opinion. Keep going – you’re doing an amazing thing.”
And a third agreed, writing: “As a shopper who loves independent stores, I wouldn’t personally go to Cabot Circus very often. Gloucester Road has a lush independent ethos – or even Wapping Wharf or North Street.”
While a fourth said: “This is a sad state of affairs and highlights why city centres are struggling. So so wrong. I’m gutted for you and what is left of the city centre and the team trying desperately hard to give it a heart. Times are hard. I wish I could afford to shop with you all the time. I bought a calendar in the very least.”